Every year around this time, I’m reminded why I love being a matchmaker—maybe more than any other season. 

There’s something about the holidays, the winter slowdown, the reflection that comes before a new year, and yes… Valentine’s Day on the horizon. People are more intentional. More reflective. More hopeful. More open.


This is truly the best time of year to start matchmaking--whether you're thinking of hiring a matchmaker or wanting to become your own matchmaker.


Between the cozy “cuffing season” vibe and the momentum people feel heading into January, singles are more willing to put effort into dating—and more open to softening rigid preferences and considering someone they might have overlooked in July.


And honestly?That openness is often exactly what’s needed to finally find love. It’s also why I adore taking on new clients this time of year. I only work with a handful of people at a time, and when the energy is this good, I love bringing new clients on board and striking while the iron is sizzling hot.


Who I’m Searching For Right Now…


Let’s talk about something I see all the time: Amazing men staying single not because of who they are… but because of their zip code.


Last week, I posed a question to the ladies in my database at Rachel Russo Relationships:


Would you consider dating someone who lives in Long Island or Queens—and even potentially relocating—if he were truly the right match? I get the hesitation: the commute, the traffic, the stereotypes.

But I asked them to stay open and hear me out, because I’m currently searching for matches for three exceptional clients:


✨ One in his late 30s, one in his late 40s, one in his early 50s
✨ All culturally Jewish (Happy Hanukkah!)
✨ Attractive, successful, emotionally mature, genuinely kind
✨ The 40s & 50s clients don’t have kids but are open to someone with 1–2 children if the co-parenting is positive
✨ And yes—I even asked: “What if she’s a solo mom by choice like me?” (Game changer. Best way, IMO!)
✨ They might consider having a child in the right situation
✨ The 30-something client is fully ready for fatherhood—but he lives half the year in San Juan, so… openness matters!


These are truly quality, grounded, stable men who treat women well. If they lived in the West Village or Upper West Side, I’d have a waitlist of women asking to meet them. 


I also have another 31-year-old in Stamford, CT, who faces the same “location bias.” And he is… SUCH. A. CATCH. (Seriously—please inquire if you or someone you know may be a match.)


The Million-Dollar Question

Is distance the only thing standing between you and someone wonderful? Is that really worth missing a potentially great partnership? When I asked my network this, the replies poured in.

Not all matches have been made yet (I’m still posting!)—but the overall response confirmed what I deeply know: Love doesn’t always show up in the most convenient zip code. Trust me—I once lived in Bay Ridge and fell in love with a guy in Poughkeepsie. Convenient? No. Worth it? Yes.


When you’re open, love has a way of showing up.
Here’s to hoping the magic of the holiday season inspires you to keep your eyes—and your heart—open from this moment forward.


Could you be a match for one of my amazing clients? Or do you know a wonderful single woman (Jewish or not), late 20s to 50s? Who lives in or near:


📍 Queens
📍 Long Island
📍 Stamford, CT
📍 San Juan
…or is open to long-distance dating and potential relocation?


📧 Email: [email protected] for profiles & info
📝 Confidential profile:https://www.rachelrusso.com/matchmaking-database.html

“It’s the end of an era,” said Lisa Clampitt, Founder of the Global Love Institute — the only accredited matchmaking school in the world — as I officially resigned last week.

This marks the close of a chapter that has been both professionally meaningful and personally transformative.

Creating the Matchmaker Certification Program

Since 2015, I played an integral role in creating and evolving the Matchmaker Certification Program. As Director of Education, I developed the full curriculum, wrote and filmed twelve online training modules, and provided guidance to hundreds of matchmakers worldwide.

Thanks to this program, aspiring and experienced matchmakers gained:

• Clear ethical standards and professional best practices
• Step-by-step guidance to launch and grow a boutique matchmaking business
• Mentorship from an experienced relationship professional

Mentoring and Training Matchmakers Online

For years, I taught weekly live Q&A sessions online, reviewed student business plans, and provided one-on-one mentorship. I guided matchmakers in building personalized, high-touch services that emphasized trust, discretion, and client-centered care.

During this time, I balanced teaching with my own life milestones — writing a breakup advice book, navigating personal transitions, IVF to conceive my daughter as a solo mom by choice, pregnancy, and early motherhood.

Speaking and Representing the Matchmaking Industry Internationally

I represented the Institute at global conferences and live trainings, including cities such as New York, London, and Miami. I hosted webinars, emceed events, facilitated collaborations, and reviewed countless matchmaking business plans, helping professionals grow profitable and ethical practices.

This work allowed me to elevate professional standards in the matchmaking industry and support hundreds of matchmakers in achieving success.

Reflections and Gratitude

Reflecting on this chapter, I am grateful for the knowledge gained, relationships formed, and impact made in the lives of matchmakers and their clients worldwide. It was a privilege to mentor and teach so many aspiring and seasoned relationship professionals.

Continuing My Mission Through Rachel Russo Relationships

While my formal role at the Global Love Institute has ended, my mission to help people navigate dating, relationships, and meaningful connections continues. Through Rachel Russo Relationships, I now focus on:

• Providing boutique matchmaking services and relationship coaching
• Mentoring matchmakers and relationship entrepreneurs
• Helping aspiring professionals start their own matchmaking businesses

If you are seeking personalized matchmaking, relationship guidance, or guidance to start a career in matchmaking, I am here to provide expert support every step of the way.

I was sitting on a park bench in suburban NJ this week, chatting with a reporter about matchmaking—maybe sparked by The Materialists. After two decades in this business, I could talk forever about what I’ve learned. One idea really stuck with me, and I want to share it with you: red flags.

Red Flags Aren’t Just Warnings—they’re Lessons
Once you truly see patterns and behaviors, it changes how you approach love. Maybe ignorance is bliss, but knowing better is empowering. I’d rather choose among people without red flags than risk my heart on someone incompatible or unsafe. And I am not alone—groups like Are We Dating the Same Guy? and apps tracking problematic behavior show many women think the same way.

Protect Your Heart—And Your SafetyDating apps can be risky. Women (especially those with kids) need to be vigilant. Here’s what I always recommend before meeting anyone new:

Run background checks with services like TruthFinder
Do reverse Google image searches
Verify photos and profiles (even with tools like ChatGPT)
Always have phone and video calls before meeting in person

Matchmaking Taught Me…To see the worst, guard myself, and guard others. You can find love and healthy relationships—but there’s a lot to weed through. My advice: know yourself and what you’re compatible with before getting serious. Protect your heart—it’s worth it.

Dating is messy, sometimes overwhelming, but also full of joy and connection when you know how to navigate it. Take it from me: your heart is precious—treat it that way.

Are you or someone you know feeling stuck in the world of dating today? Do you believe all of this swiping, messaging, and attending events today typically results in…nothing to write home about? You wouldn’t be alone there.

The truth is, dating in 2025 looks very different from how it did in the past—and not just because of technology. While we’ve seen huge advances in matchmaking tools, social apps, and online platforms, there's one key element that many singles are missing in today’s world: community.

In the past, singles found potential matches through naturally occurring opportunities—whether through family, friends, or events in their local neighborhoods. It was simple: you were exposed to a variety of people, and dating was a natural extension of those relationships. If you liked someone, you had the chance to see them repeatedly, get to know them, and develop a deeper connection over time.

But today, many of us are living in a very different reality. We’re isolated. We're working remotely. We’re far from our families and friends. We're caught up in our busy, individual lives. The result? Fewer opportunities to meet new people in organic ways. And, unfortunately, those one-off chance encounters that used to spark new connections are becoming rarer and rarer.

Here’s the thing: dating shouldn’t be about waiting for a magical, serendipitous moment. No one’s life is the set of a romantic comedy! Dating successfully is about building a community—one where you can repeatedly meet, interact with, and connect with like-minded people. That’s how relationships grow: from repeated exposure and shared experiences.

This past weekend, I took my daughter to her first book signing! We came out to support my fellow matchmaking colleague, author, mama, and Jersey Girl, Maria Avgitidis, on the publication of her first book, Ask A Matchmaker!  After hearing Maria read an excerpt  at Barnes & Noble in Bridgewater, I can confidently say this book is not just another “find your person” pep talk filled with recycled advice.


This one hits different — in the best way. And one of the reasons it does? Because it incorporates this very idea of singles needing to build a community to find their match! I was glad to read the book and see that Maria emphasizes the importance of cultivating an environment where connections can be made over time—whether that’s through local groups, hobbies, clubs, or even by joining a sports league. I truly believe the key is to step outside of your own bubble and engage with people consistently. 

Community doesn’t have to mean huge social gatherings or constant events, either. Whew. That'd be exhausting! It can be as simple as finding a group that shares your interests, whether that’s through an online forum like the Facebook group “East Coast Solo Moms Looking For High Caliber Men" -that I created last year- or a regular in-person gathering. The goal is to get out of your individual routine and into spaces where new people—and potential matches—are part of the landscape.

So, how can you start building community today to match yourself or help match singles you know? The possibilities are endless, but here are a few ideas to get you started:

Explore local interest groups: Whether it’s a hiking group, a book club, or a cooking class, joining a group that aligns with your passions can help you meet people naturally.

Attend social events more frequently: Even if you’re not in the mood, say yes to parties, meetups, and networking events. You never know when the next great connection will happen, so your motto should be: You get invited, you go! (I think one of my matchmaker friends’ happily-married grandmas lived by that too!)

Volunteer in your community: Not only will you be giving back, but you’ll also meet people who share your values.

Embrace technology differently: Instead of swiping endlessly, focus on joining online communities and virtual events that allow you to engage with people over time.

Dating in 2025 doesn’t need to feel frustrating or like a never-ending cycle of swiping. By building and nurturing a supportive, diverse community around you, you’ll naturally increase your chances of meeting someone who’s a great match for you. And if you don’t? Well, I might know a fab matchmaker and dating coach who could help introduce you to singles from her community!Or help you build your own! Yes, that’s me, and if you are not in the NYC tri-state area that I serve, I can refer you to an esteemed colleague who is.

Remember: The more people you meet, the more likely you are to find the one who clicks.  It’s all about the power of consistent exposure and connection. And who knows? Your next great love story might just begin in a place you least expect.

So go out, get involved, and build your community. If you’d like help, just reach out here. Your love life will thank you for it.

Fun Fact: I've regularly kept journals since age eleven up until I became a solo mom-almost three and a half years ago! I'll get back to that one of these days.
 
May 7th & 8th, 2025
 
​I am at The Manhattan Penthouse with one hundred sixty-something other love industry professionals. Mostly matchmakers plus a few dating coaches and randos sprinkled into the mix. A lot of people are wearing red, and one matchmaker is even wearing a hot pink suit. The room is cold, but the vibes are warm. Also, there are four other matchmakers named Rachel. We are all pictured above. Because, we'll take a photo op when we see it!
 
The Global Love Institute-which seems to be the only real matchmaking school in the world that offers certification- throws this international event. I have been attending these annually for the better part of the last ten years. Last year, I was the emcee! In case you didn't hear about all that jazz, my Uber from NJ was cancelled and I drove to Manhattan in torrential downpours, thunder, and lightening-skipping my overpriced DryBar blowout-to make it on time. 
 
Anyways, it all started with Lisa Clampitt, the founder of the school, and owner of Lisa Clampit Matchmaking--a company I was once the Director of Matchmaking for. Very boutique matchmaking to an upscale NYC clientele--some of my funnest times!
 
Lisa had asked me to co-create the Online Certification Program for Matchmakers a decade ago, and I did just that. I recorded twelve weeks of modules on all the important content and have been hosting weekly Q&A calls on Zoom with aspiring matchmakers from all over the world ever since. In many of my classes, I like to give real-day-in-the-life-of-a-matchmaker examples for my students. That's the stuff that resonates most.
 
Even after twenty years in the matchmaking industry, I’m a big believer in the power of networking and staying on top of trends and best practices. And, so I attend. A mindset of lifelong learning is essential to delivering real results for clients--no matter what your profession. It feels nostalgic to keep doing it all in the same room with the same people and that same, incredible view of the city.
 
This year, I gave back by running a workshop on multiple revenue streams for matchmakers—a topic that feels especially timely here in the US. With so many singles seeking support and high-end matchmaking often out of reach, it’s crucial for boutique matchmakers to get creative: from digital products and events to partnerships and more. That’s what I’m focused on at Rachel Russo Relationships, and I’m sharing it with others too!
 
If you’re a matchmaker looking to diversify your income—or a single who wants personalized support without spending a fortune—feel free to reach out at [email protected]. I’m here to help. That’s why I got into this business to begin with! 
 
Hanging out with a bunch of colleagues who also like to take photos with their fingers shaped into hearts---that's just a bonus!

I’ve said it before, but we are now in some interesting, interesting times.  In the season where it feels for many like only the strong will survive and thrive, I believe we have to all ask ourselves:

Do I like the person that I am becoming?

I think we must take stock of how we are doing in some of the most important areas like health (which includes the mental & physical), money (which includes saving, spending, investing, and overall satisfaction with career and income sources) and love (whether it be self-love or our relationships with our children, family, friends, and romantic partners).

And if we don’t like what we see, we should use all the tools we have, all technology available, all resources out there, and connect with all who can help to make a change.

One of my top priorities is maintaining optimal health as I can so I can enjoy my life and time with the special people in it. Recently, I joined something really special-Function Health- so I could be in charge of my own (very comprehensive!) bloodwork results over time. The goal is to be more proactive about tracking my biomarkers from hundreds of lab tests so that I have the insights that will keep me healthy and the information that I need from experts about how to make diet and lifestyle modifications. Erasing the need to chase doctors and labs for results is also a major plus!

There are so many important biomarkers I now know all about, but one I couldn’t  help share with my Facebook friends and now you: My biological age —which is fifteen years younger than my chronological age! 

Helllllllo 25.9! ! So pleased to meet you!  (See above for proof!)

If you want to know how I did it, I can tell you I eliminated a lot of things—alcohol, gluten, dairy, toxic cleaners, beauty products, any produce that isn’t organic. I minimized caffeine, sugar, processed foods, and unnecessary stressors. I added a lot too! From supplements to yoga to IV vitamin drips to EMF blockers, there’s so much that can help us “biohack”. (I am just scratching the surface!)

If you want to look into this, I am happy to connect with you about the process. I even have a referral code that I can share with you here. Note: Function will give me a reward  ($100) for every person who signs up that I can use toward my health. I wasn’t asked to be an affiliate marketer; I am just sharing the link here, because it is something that I think will improve lives. And that's what I do!

In that spirit, another thing that I have really embraced is AI! ChatGPT is like my new BFF-but not really-who is enhancing my personal and professional life in so many ways!  Have you gotten into it yet?

Although I pride myself on improving in ways that utilize the (irreplaceable!) human touch, I am not afraid to make improvements for my myself and singles I work with by embracing the power of artificial intelligence. Its touching so many industries--the dating industry is no exception/

You see when someone joins my matchmaking database at Rachel Russo Relationships — they're feeling hopeful, open to love, ready to connect. We get to know each other, I ask some thoughtful questions, and the energy shifts. Sometimes they meet someone through me or sometimes I coach them to meet someone on their own. Or it all happens just... magically. At a coffee shop. Through a friend. On a plane. (Yes, really.)

It’s almost like telling the universe you're serious about love actually works. And if you are really serious about something, you do whatever it takes to make it happen.

So if you are reading this and it hasn’t happened for you yet, just know there are some really out of the box things you can do to manifest your person! If you haven’t heard, I trained an AI Matchmaker!!! Her name is Lara, and she’s the AI Matchmaker for NYC tri state area singles.

If you're in the area, have an iPhone, and are open to something a little out-of-the-box, it’s time to meet Lara. She's not your average dating app bot — she's smart, thoughtful, and will prevent you from wasting time on mismatches. Yes, I do that as a matchmaker too, but I can only help so many people. Considering the limitations of any one human such as myself, I was not opposed to training her on all I have learned as a matchmaker with twenty years of NYC-area matchmaking experience. She’s free to use and will curates matches based on values, lifestyle, and real compatibility.
Hoping that I can help you find your match---in whatever way I can! You can download and check her out here. 

Let’s see what all this matchmaking magic has in store for you. 💘

Let’s be honest—dating in the NYC tri-state area is brutal.

As a matchmaker and dating coach, I regularly have singles telling me they are getting sicker and sicker of dating apps. Many of them would love to hire me- or one of my colleagues- as their matchmaker but can’t afford the price tag on our labor-intensive, boutique services. Considering the cost of living in or near the Big Apple and the current state of the economy, I don’t blame them.  I wish matchmaking were not a luxury service. I’d be thrilled if every database member could get a complimentary introduction, but it just isn’t possible. It is what it is. Fortunately, there is an alternative…..

Enter Lara, the AI matchmaker. I personally trained her to bring real matchmaking expertise to the dating world. No more wasting time on incompatible people. Lara gets NYC dating—the fast-paced life, the high standards, and the fact that living in Brooklyn and dating on Long Island is not for the faint of heart. 

If you are currently single or have single friends in the NYC metro, let me tell you all there is to love about Lara: 

✔️ Trained by an actual matchmaker (me!) with twenty years of matchmaking experience in the NYC area, not some random algorithm
✔️ Curates matches who fit values, lifestyle, and vision for the future (Not just whoever is in the same zip code and wants to avoid the bridges and tunnels) 
✔️ Will save everyone time, money (it’s free!), and emotional energy 

To me, it is a no-brainer to check this out!  Ready to date smarter? Know a friend who needs help upgrading his or her love life?  Sign up for Lara, or pass this on now, and let’s see if this AI matchmaker can work some matchmaking magic! Check her out-free to use and download here. 
https://laradating.onelink.me/0a7n/rachelrusso

Because dating in the NYC tri-state should be fun—not a full-time job.  

Tomorrow marks the beginning of what I affectionately refer to as “Love Month”! 

In true matchmaker fashion, I’d like to kickoff the countdown to Valentine’s Day with mention of one of of my current matchmaking searches for a young, kind, Jewish professional in the NYC tri state area who is looking for his person for marriage and family. 

If you are (or know) a 25-30 year old female interested in being considered for this eligible bachelor, please shoot me an email at [email protected] for a detailed profile with recent photos. If you are making a referral for a single woman that meets my client for a date, I will gladly send you a generous referral commission and my favorite healthy chocolates too! Happy Valentine’s Day to you! 

Meantime, I am excited to announce my newest project. Note: This is happening locally in Montclair, NJ, but I am considering hosting a virtual event as well—since I received messages from several women who are interested. So please let me know if you’d like me to add your name to my list. What’s this buzz all about? 

Drum roll, please! 

I am hosting a monthly gathering designed for single moms at all stages—whether they are single by choice or chance, transitioning into single motherhood, or considering whether to date again or stay solo. Every session will feature a different theme or topic tailored to support the journey.

As many of you know, besides being a matchmaker and dating coach for the last two decades, I have practiced clinically as a Marriage & Family Therapist for singles, couples, and families for over five years.  I have also survived three years-well technically almost four if you count pregnancy-as a solo mom by choice! So, YES! I feel super-qualified to lead this group to help moms with what I have learned and am learning along the way.

Please share this link or pass this on to the single moms you know who may be local to the Montclair, NJ area--or consider joining us yourself. The first event is free! We will have our first event this Tuesday, February 4th at 11am at Creative+! Registration information is here for this event. 

I think all moms need support—especially those who are doing this parenting thing solo! So here's my attempt at creating the modern-day village. 

And as for singles? Well, I no longer believe that all we need is love. But we all do need love. 

So this February, let’s spread the love in whatever way, shape, or form we’d like —from here to the moon and back! 

How’s 2025 going so far?
 
Is it just me, or do you feel like the holidays are finally over and the real work of the new year has begun?

Just wanted to check in-take a little roll call-to see who is still with me at Rachel Russo Relationships and also say hello to any newcomers who may have stumbled upon my website for the first time in this fine new year! 

​Are you on the journey toward finding your person or are you on a hiatus? 

If you want to be considered for introductions to clients-as a member of my confidential database at my boutique matchmaking and dating consultancy-you should create a profile or make sure your profile is up to date with the most recent information about you, your match criteria, and photos.  For assistance with the latter, just email [email protected].

(Hint: Now is the time to upload some of those photos you took over the holidays!) 

No matter where you are in your life-as I tell my clients-It is the journey that counts! Remember, dating is not a race. Finding a true connection takes patience, effort, and self-awareness. This year, let's focus on growth, learning, and setting yourself up for success in love.

At this time, it may be helpful to set a few intentions for the year ahead.  Here are a few I may suggest:

1. Cultivate Self-Love First: Put on your own oxygen mask first, pay yourself first, love yourself first! It’ll help you attract healthier relationships.

2. Be Intentional with Your Dating & Relationship Goals: Figure out what you want and don’t want. The clearer you are about what you want, the easier it will be to identify when you've found it. Vision board: Optional!

3. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: If you know what you want, you do not need test drive a ton of options. When you find what you are looking for, don't be afraid to put your foot on the gas and go—with the one that is best for you. FOMO is soooo 2024!

4. Embrace Vulnerability: Vulnerability is essential for deep relationships. And it is sexy! 

5. Heal Your Heart: Do not let your “stuff”-including unconscious beliefs about love and destructive patterns stemming from childhood-keep you from the right person. Once you are on the healing path, the quality of all your relationships will be SO MUCH BETTER! 

This year, I’m here to support singles every step of the way through my work at Rachel Russo Relationships.
​
Whether you're looking to improve your dating profile, get professional help dealing with the craziness of dating apps, hone your communication skills, figure out exactly what you want in a match, work through past emotional baggage, or create new opportunities for meeting compatible partners,  I offer coaching that’s tailored to your unique needs and desires. Together, we’ll work to eliminate limiting beliefs, build your confidence, and ensure you're fully prepared to make meaningful connections in 2025. 

If you’d like personalized matchmaking, I can help you come up with a plan, make a referral to one of my colleagues worldwide, or take you on as a matchmaking client at Rachel Russo Relationships. 

​As always, I'll offer Strategy Sessions (priced at $300 USD)  to help you dive deep to determine your best match. I’ll show you how to play up the strengths and minimize the weaknesses you need to find him or her. So please inquire within, as I absolutely love helping people figure out what they want in love-and creating the opportunities they need to find it-during these transformative sessions. You can email [email protected] for more information. 

As we embrace 2025, let this be the year of growth, discovery, and meaningful love.  Wishing you a year filled with love, connection, and fulfillment!

​XoXo, Rachel